MINISTER SARGENT RECEIVES OFFICIAL UPDATE ON MALAHIDE VIADUCT.
Return of full rail service expected by November
Broadmeadow railway bridge, mid-September 2009 (Image: C.Finn)
Barry Kenny of Iarnród Éireann has confirmed to local TD and Minister Trevor Sargent that a full rail service on the Belfast line is due to resume by the end of November.
Minister Sargent with Barry Kenny of Iarnród Éireann
Minister Sargent visited the site of the viaduct span collapse this week where he met with Mr Kenny and various railway engineers who confirmed the good news. The recent spell of benign weather and the sound nature of the viaduct each side of the collapsed section means that the repairs are less onerous than initially feared.
The Minister said, “I understand that the rapid deterioration of the weak pier which collapsed was caused it seems by 60% of the water leaving the estuary being funnelled under one of the 12 spans supporting the rail line. To prevent any reoccurrence of this disaster each remaining pier is being reinforced. An ecologist and hydrologist are working with the engineers to also ensure the estuary environment is protected and the water level restored.”
Minister Sargent is briefed by Barry Kenny and Eammon Ballance, Chief Civil Engineer, Iaranroid Eireann
The Minister continued, “I thank God for the vigilance of the train driver and the fact that all passengers survived unscathed. Had the driver braked even slightly, I dread to think what might have happened”.
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